Going back to our roots: the design evolution of Henchman Tripod Ladders

Henchman started as a family business in 1994, and while we’re still a small team at heart, our company has grown to become market leaders in ladder safety. Our tripod ladders have kept gardeners, DIYers and professionals safe when working at height. We’ve received some great feedback over the years and love hearing about how we’ve helped our customers with their projects.

Key to our success is the fact that we’ve continuously improved our ladders so that each new model is better than the last, creating the safest possible solution for users. With the recent launch of our newest tripod ladder range, we’re looking back at the design evolution of our products and how we’ve got to this point. 

What is a tripod ladder?

A tripod ladder is a 3-legged ladder that’s designed for a wobble-free experience. When fully set-up, it creates a wider base that’s more secure, with clawed feet in contact with the ground at all times.

We started manufacturing tripod ladders after launching our Wheeled Henchman and Hi-Step, to add to the range of ladders to use in the garden. Tripods provide stability when working at height and are usually made from aluminium for strength and durability. They can look chunky and hard to manoeuvre, but our tripods in particular are extremely lightweight - ideal for transportation.

Read more about tripod ladders here or about the different types of ladders here.

Our renowned tripod ladders

Henchman started designing ladders after the founder experiencied a fall when using a standard ladder. We wanted to give fellow gardeners a safe and sturdy solution for working at height, so they could avoid accidents.

Our tripod ladders give customers full confidence, offering complete stability while working hands free. The waist-high guard rail ensures you maintain three-point contact while using your ladder at all times, especially when using larger tools that require both hands. You’ll also feel comfortable and can work at ease from start to finish.

Our original tripod models came to be what Henchman is known for. They’ve been on the market for over 10 years, supporting thousands of customers - they’re even used by the England Rugby and New Zealand yachting teams.

They’re strong and sturdy, with a safe working load of 150kg - ideal for allowing for the extra weight of the equiptment such as hedge trimmers up the ladder. Unlike traditional ladders, our tripods also come with clawed feet to prevent sinking, and when paired with our rubber feet, you can use your ladder inside without scratching surfaces.

Another thing you don’t need to worry about is banging your knees against the rungs as you’re using your ladder. Our tripods come with a built in platform to brace your shins against, so you can feel more comfortable when working at height.

Alongside our all-around original tripod ladders, we designed our Professional Tripod Ladder. This version of our tripod is made to better withstand regular transportation, ensuring that professionals have a portable, lightweight ladder that’s suitable for any task. Manufactured with thicker aluminium than our original tripods, you can take on all sorts of jobs with ease. The original Professiona Ladders height range was 6ft-12ft.

What really makes our tripods stand out from the rest is their EN131 Kitemark certification. This BSI certification sets out recommendations for ladder safety, and to comply, ladders are tested on their strength, stability and characteristics. This certificate should give you full confidence when using your Henchman ladder.

The evolution of our tripod ladders

Our original tripods have kept our customers safe and stable for many years, but after listening to customer feedback, we felt that there was still room for improvement. So we took our tripods back to the drawing board.

And so in 2023, we launched our new-and-improved tripod ladders, offering even more safety, versatility and adjustability. With a more rigid frame, a hedge-proof locking pin and adjustments to our guard rail and platform so you can work comfortably without fatigue, the latest modelwill transform your gardening and DIY experience.

The new and improved Henchman ladders

As mentioned above, our redesigned ladders were released in 2023. And, based on the reviews we’ve received, our new models have really hit the mark. With more adjustability than our previous tripods, you can experience even more control on steep ground or steps.

Each leg can be individually adjusted up to 45cm, meaning that you always have a stable platform when working on uneven ground, reaching new heights and working wobble-free. We even have a new 5ft ladder, for slightly smaller yet still-mighty heights.

“I'm very impressed with this ladder. I thought it might be a bit difficult to assemble, but actually there was nothing to assemble—just unclip the support pole and it's ready to go. Couldn't have been easier to set up and use, and full instructions are included.

“Working at heights always makes me nervous (and rightly so: it's dangerous), but I can honestly say this is the safest I've ever felt on a ladder. It was stable and steady, with no wobbling; climbing up and down was easy thanks to the broad steps, and I felt very secure and comfortable working even from the top platform. I love it. Why aren't all ladders like this?” - Mr Arundel, TrustPilot review

Our new ladders have stepped up in terms of strength and durability, too. The legs are now 15% stronger than our previous tripod, increasing their rigidity. The unique platform is extra spacious, providing more legroom, plus the height of the guard rail has increased. These new elements should help you feel more secure while working hands free. Simply tuck your knees into the frame, rest your hips against the rail, and you’re in the ideal position for keeping hedges neat and tidy.

As an extra layer of security, our locking pin keeps the legs securely in place while allowing for fast adjustment. It’s also hedge-proof, meaning no stray leaves and twigs becoming lodged and impacting its ergonomic design.

For those still wanting a pro ladder, our Fully Adjustable PRO tripod builds upon our Original Professional Henchman. Bringing that professional element to gardeners and DIY’ers of all skill levels, it has all the features our customers know and love about our original model - but better. With a new, secondary platform for when standing a little lower down your ladder,  more adjustabilty in the legs and a rear leg clip. Enjoy even more versatility when using your Henchman. The new PRO range covers a larger height span with ladders in sizes 6ft-16ft.

What’s more - we’ve introduced a new signature look of our tripods, with the back leg now a Henchman red on the PRO and blue on the Fully Adjustable, so you can look and feel like a pro when tackling projects.

One thing that hasn’t changed about our trusty tripods is that they still provide certified safety. Our new models are also Kitemark Certified to BSI, complying with EN131 - the only tripod ladders on the market to have one. So whether you’re keen to try out our new ladder range or would like to stick with an original, you can be confident that you’re safe and sound when using an original Henchman ladder.

Read more about the EN131 certification here.

What’s the difference between our new and original tripod ladders?  

We’ve already talked through the evolution of our tripod ladders. But, as a quick summary, the differences between our new and original ladders are:

• More adjustable - with up to 80% more adjustability than our previous models to cover steeper inclines and declines, the legs of our tripods can be positioned however you’d like to help you feel safe and secure on sloping ground
• A new locking mechinism - with a more durable mechanism and our hedge-proof locking pin providing fast, secure leg adjustment, you can put your full trust in Henchman.
• Spacious platform - our original tripods provided enough legroom, but our new ladders have a increased guardrail height, so you can feel more comfortable when using your Henchman.
• Stronger than ever - we’ve reengineered the legs of our tripods. Now 15% stronger than our original ladders, we guarantee a gardening experience that’s free of shakes and wobbles.

Henchman: new ladders, same family values

Our tripods may have changed, but our values have stayed the same. We strive to create safe working platforms for our customers, no matter the task or project. Our new tripods feature everything you love about our ladders, but with a few upgrades to enhance your gardening or DIY experience.

Henchman is a brand that our customers rely on, providing safe and sturdy solutions that users love - our TrustPilot reviews speak for themselves!

Explore our new tripod range here, including the Fully Adjustable and Fully Adjustable PRO tripods. You can also view our original tripod range or use our Find A Ladder tool to find the right Henchman for you.